LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Specialist Joshua
R. Farris, and paying tribute to his courageous actions as a member of
the United States Army

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Enduring Freedom will
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world;
and
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably during Operation Enduring Free-
dom, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Specialist Joshua R. Farris, and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, A 10th Mountain Division Soldier from Fort Drum, Specialist
Joshua R. Farris died at the age of 22 when an improvised explosive
device detonated near his vehicle in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Joshua R. Farris was an infantryman from La
Grange, Texas; he deployed with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team in January
of 2009; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Joshua R. Farris served in the 2nd Battalion, 87th
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
(Light Infantry); he joined the Army in March of 2006, and arrived at
Fort Drum in June of 2006; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Joshua R. Farris's awards and decorations include
the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze
Service Star (2), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service
Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit
Award (2), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), and Combat Infantryman
Badge; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Joshua R. Farris is survived by his mother, Marla
L. Farris Calhoun, and his father, Thornton L. Rayl; and
WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New
York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave;
and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Specialist Joshua R. Farris, and to pay
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Specialist Joshua R. Farris.